Competitive Obedience

CD — Companion Dog (First Obedience Title)

To earn the title of Companion Dog (CD), the dog must pass three novice obedience trials under at least two different licensed obedience judges. Each trial consists of six exercises which the dog must pass (obtain at least 50%) and accumulate a total score of a minimum of 170 points. (A perfect score is 200 points.) The exercises are:

Heal on Leash and Figure-8: The dog must perform a heeling pattern on-leash as well as heeling in a figure-8 pattern around two ring stewards. (40 points.)

Stand for Examination: The handler stands the dog and then moves in front to the end of the leash. (30 points.)

Heel Free: The dog performs a heeling pattern off-leash. (40 points.)

Recall: The handler leaves the dog in a Sit-Stay and walks to the end of the ring, then calls the dog. (30 points.)

Long Sit (1 minute): A group exercise where the dogs are lined up and made to sit in a row. The handlers then move to the opposite side of the ring. (30 points)

Long Down (3 minutes): A group exercise where the dogs are lined up in a row and made to lie down. The handlers then move to the opposite side of the ring. (30 points.

CDX — Companion Dog Excellent (Second Obedience Title)

Once a dog has earned his CD title, he can then go on to earn the title of Companion Dog Excellent (CDX) by passing three open obedience trials under at least two different licensed judges. Each trial consists of seven exercises. The dog must pass each exercise (obtain at least 50%) and accumulate a total score of at least 170 points (a perfect score is 200 points). The exercises are:

Heel Free and Figure-8: The dog must perform a heeling pattern off-leash and heeling in a figure-8 pattern around two ring stewards. (40 points.)

Drop on Recall: The handler must leave the dog in a Sit-Stay position and walk to the end of the ring. The handler then calls the dog. The dog must drop to a starionary position upon being given the signal by his handler and then come on the next signal. (30 points.)

Retrieve on the Flat: The handler throws a dumbell away from himself and the dog and then signals the dog to retrieve it. (25 points.)

Retrieve Over a High Jump: The handler throws a dumbell over a high-jump and then signals the dog to retrieve the object. The dog must retrieve the dumbell by jumping the high-jump both ways. The height of the jump is equal to the height of the dog at the withers, to a maximum of 36 inches. (35 points.)

Broad Jump: From a sitting start, the dog must leap over a broad jump and return to his handler. The length of the jump is equal to two times the height of the dog at the withers, to a maximum of 72 inches. (20 points.)

Long Sit (3 minutes): A group exercise where the dogs are lined up and made to sit in a row. The handlers then move out of the ring and out of sight of the dogs. (25 points.)

Long Down (5 minutes): A group exercise where the dogs are lined up and made to lie down in a row. The handlers then move out of the ring and out of sight of the dogs. (30 points.)

UD — Utility Dog

Once a dog has obtained his CDX title, he can then earn the tile of UD and OTCh. by passing three Utility Obedience Trials under at least two different obedience judges. Each trial consists of five exercises. The dog must pass each exercise (obtain at least 50%) and accumulate a total score of at least 170 points. (A perfect score is 200 points.) The exercises are:

Seek Back: The dog performs a heeling pattern off-leash and at some point the handler drops an object that the dog is expected to retrieve. (30 Points.)

Scent Discrimination: A collection of 12 objects (four wood, four metal, and four leather) are placed in the centre of the obedience ring. The handler applies his scent to a fifth object and the judges places it somewhere among the other objects. The handler sends the dog to find the scented item. (This is repeated for each material). (20 times 3 Points.)

Signal Exercise: The dog performs a heeling pattern off-leash with only visual commands being given. At some point, the handler signals the dog to stop in a standing position and wait while the handler moves away. The handler then turns to face the dog and gives further visual commands: a) Lie down; b) Sit up; and c) Come to the handler. (35 points.)

Directed Jumping: Two jumps (a solid high jump and a bar jump) are placed at a specified distance apart near the centre of the ring. The handler commands the dog to run out between and past the two jumps and then to sit. The handler then commands the dog to go over a designated jump. The exercise is repeated for the second jump. (40 points.)

Group Examination: A group exercise where the dogs are lined up in a row and made to stand. The handlers then move to the opposite side of the ring. The judge approaches each dog in turn and runs his hands over the dog. The exercise lasts a minimum of three minutes. (35 points.)

OTCh. — Obedience Trial Champion

The OTCh. title is awarded to any dog who has successfully passed the three obedience levels and obtained the titles: CD, CDX and UD.

TT — Temperament Test

The TT is administered by the Temperament Test Associates and is not a CKC recognized title. The test consists of several individual tests designed to place varying amounts of stress on the dog. The dog is assessed against his Breed Standard with regard to his reactions to the various tests. The tests are as follows:

Neutral Stranger: The dog and handler are approached by stranger who greets the handler, but ignores the dog.

Friendly Stranger: The dog and handler are approached by an individual who greets the dog, but ignores the handler.

Crowds: The dog and handler are encircled by a “crowd” of four to five people.

Noise Test: A hidden assistant rattles a pail containing some stones for several seconds. The pail is then brought into the dog’s sight and he is encouraged to investigate.

Umbrella Test: As the dog and handler approach, an assistant sits in a chair with a closed umbrella resting on the ground. When the dog and handler are near the assistant, the umbrella pops open. The dog is encouraged to investigate.

Footing Test: The dog and handler are required to walk over a length of chain link fence.

Decoy Test: The dog and handler are approached by a stranger dressed in a poncho, who staggers about waving a riding crop and making strange noises. The decoy will come closer, continuing his act. He will then slap the crop on the ground several times before turning and running away.

In all instances, the dog is expected to accept the attentions of non-threatening individuals. In tests where a sudden or loud noise occurs, it is acceptable for the dog to “start”, but he is expected to recover and to investigate. Not all dogs will try to attack the decoy, but they should all stand their ground. Chasing only after the decoy has turned to flee is not acceptable.